Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

the ball is in someone's court

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.21 in modern English

Syllables: the bal-l is in -some-one's -court
IPA

33

Scrabble Score

24

Letters

5

Syllables

14

Unique Chars

Meaning

phrase

It is someone's turn to do something; often making a decision.

Example Sentences

"Well there's not much more I can do, so the ball is in your court now."
"Achieving that partnership will require leadership and flexibility. Not just from us, but from our friends, the 27 nations of the EU. And as we look forward to the next stage, the ball is in their court, but I am optimistic it will receive a positive response."

Etymology

From tennis, as when the ball is in someone's court it is their turn to play.

Inflected Forms

have the ball in one's court (alternative)

Questions

What does the ball is in someone's court mean?: It is someone's turn to do something; often making a decision.
Where does the ball is in someone's court come from?: From tennis, as when the ball is in someone's court it is their turn to play.

How to pronounce the ball is in someone's court

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